South Chicago is Chicago community area #46, on the Southeast Side about 10 miles from the Loop, where the Calumet River meets Lake Michigan. It grew up around U.S. Steel’s South Works, which operated from 1880 until 1992. CMAP estimates its population at 27,551 (2020–2024 ACS).
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Community area number | 46 |
| Side of the city | Southeast Side |
| Population (2020–2024 ACS estimate, CMAP) | 27,551 |
| Neighborhoods within | The Bush, Millgate, Cheltenham (part), historic Calumet |
| Main Metra stations | Metra Electric South Chicago branch: 79th St./Cheltenham, 83rd St., 87th St., 93rd St. (terminal) |
| Major parks | Bessemer Park, Russell Square Park, Eckersall Playground Park and Stadium |
Boundaries
South Chicago is bounded by 79th Street on the north, Lake Michigan on the east, the Calumet River on the southeast, and South Chicago Avenue (the Chicago Skyway) on the southwest, with a short stretch of 95th Street on the south.
Neighborhoods within South Chicago
- The Bush, the historic mill neighborhood in the northeast section.
- Millgate.
- Cheltenham and Calumet, older settlements that merged into South Chicago.
- The business district along Commercial Avenue and around 92nd Street.
History
The area began as a settlement of fishermen and farmers, first named Ainsworth. Irish Catholics founded St. Patrick’s parish in 1857. Brown Iron and Steel opened in 1875 and South Works in 1880; U.S. Steel acquired South Works in 1901. South Chicago was annexed in 1889.
Poles, Italians, African Americans and Mexicans arrived before and after World War I, and Mexican strikebreakers hired in 1919 went on to form one of the Midwest’s largest Latino communities. South Works closed in April 1992. Population fell from 56,683 in 1930 to 38,596 in 2000.
Landmarks and parks
- Our Lady of Guadalupe, the oldest parish founded by Mexicans in Chicago.
- St. Michael the Archangel and Immaculate Conception, Polish Cathedral-style churches.
- St. Patrick, the first Catholic parish in South Chicago.
- The former South Works site on the lakefront.
- Bessemer Park and Russell Square Park.
Getting there
South Chicago has no L service. The Metra Electric South Chicago branch ends at 93rd Street in the business district, the only Metra line that ends inside city limits.
Frequently asked questions
What was South Works?
A steel mill at the mouth of the Calumet River that opened in 1880, was acquired by U.S. Steel in 1901 and closed in 1992.
Is there an L stop in South Chicago?
No. The area is served by the Metra Electric South Chicago branch, which ends at 93rd Street.
What was South Chicago originally called?
Ainsworth.
How many people live in South Chicago?
CMAP estimates 27,551 residents (2020–2024 ACS), down from 56,683 in 1930.
Related guides
- South Shore (#43) community area guide
- Avalon Park (#45) community area guide
- Calumet Heights (#48) community area guide
- South Deering (#51) community area guide
- East Side (#52) community area guide
- Metra guide
- All 77 Chicago community areas
Sources
- CMAP Community Data Snapshot: South Chicago (June 2026 release)
- Encyclopedia of Chicago: South Chicago
- Wikipedia: South Chicago, Chicago
Last updated: October 31, 2026